HC Deb 23 May 1928 vol 217 cc1872-3
81. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Secretary for Mines the oil content of British cannel, a non-bituminous coal; and what is the estimated quantities of such coal still unworked?

Commodore KING

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him yesterday. The figure of 50 gallons of oil per ton which I then gave refers only to the true cannels and not to the so-called "Hoo" or "Bastard" cannels from which less oil is obtainable. I am unable to supply an estimate of the quantities of such coal still unworked. Some information on the subject will be found in Volume VII of the "Special Reports on the Mineral Resources of Great Britain" prepared by the Geological Survey and published by H.M. Stationery Office in 1920.

82. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Secretary for mines whether he can state the difference in cost of refining imported oil and oil taken from British coal?

Commodore KING

No, Sir. In both cases the cost of refining depends on the nature of the oil and the process to which it is subjected.

83. Mr. WHITELEY

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the price per gallon of crude oil extracted from British coal?

Commodore KING

No, Sir.